The unit's World War II predecessor unit, the 433d Troop Carrier Group operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater transporting such things as gasoline, ammunition, medicine, rations, communications equipment, construction materials and evacuating wounded personnel during numerous campaigns. It was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the liberation of the Philippines during 1944-1945. After the war, the unit served in the reserves and was elevated to active service during the Korean War. It returned to reserve duty until its inactivation in 1959; then again since 1992 after its reactivation.

Trained to tow gliders and to transport and drop supplies and paratroops, February–July 1943. Air echelon flew Group's C-47s to New Guinea, via Hawaii, the Fiji Islands, and Australia, August–September 1943, and began operations with Fifth Air Force. Ground echelon sailed from the West Coast on 25 September 1943, arriving in Australia on 10 October 1943. By early November 1943, the two echelons had rejoined at Nadzab, New Guinea.

Transported troops and carried cargo, such as gasoline, ammunition, medicine, food, equipment, and construction materials; and evacuated wounded personnel. From November 1943 to February 1945, the group was assigned six troop carrier squadrons, rather than the more normal four. Lost operational control of two squadrons, July–November 1944. Squadrons moved, October 1944-January 1945, to Biak Island, and January–February 1945 to the Philippines.

Operations in the Philippines included delivering ammunition, food, and other items to Filipino guerrilla forces; evacuating former allied prisoners of war and civilian internees; transporting combat units from New Guinea, the Netherlands East Indies, and the Solomon Islands. Group flew its one combat glider tow mission on 23 June 1945 to Aparri, Luzon. Transported troops to Okinawa, June–August 1945 and occupation forces to Japan after V-J Day.

Activated as a Reserve organization in Ohio on 6 July 1947. Ordered to active service and moved to North Carolina in October 1950; received C-119 aircraft the following month. Tactical training began in March 1951. Transported personnel and supplies to Army units in the field. Airdropped personnel and equipment during army exercises. Moved to West Germany and participated with US, British, and French units in field training until inactivated. By 1958, flew airlift missions and participated in tactical exercises.

Beginning August 1992, the group participated in airlift missions worldwide, including numerous humanitarian missions.